Deeney’s Own Goal Stumps Watford against Manchester United – English Premier League Match Report

Depay’s early goal gave high hopes to United alongside the lead as visitors but Deeney’s penalty in the dying moments equalized the score before the goal scorer headed the ball into his own net to seal their own humiliating defeat.

Memphis Depay played for the first time since October, due to Rooney and Martial being injured and performed brilliantly.

Watford made a single change, playing Jurado instead of Ake, while United made four, replacing Rojo, Carrick, Martial and Rooney with Jones, Schneiderlin, Herrera and Depay.

United were fast and pacy in their attack, connecting the dots with abundant passing between the players. At 11’ Memphis found Herrera’s cross and volleyed it in gently with a perfect finish. His confidence was astounding.

Being in total control of the game, United avoided conceding until the very end. Rojo grabbed Igahalo from behind as he vied to take Deeney’s cross and a penalty was awarded to Watford. De Gea had kept the defence tight uptil now and Deeney managed to score the penalty.

Amidst a little bit of drama and confusion due to United’s despaprate attack at the very end, Shweinsteiger’s attempt to net the ball was completed by Deeney as he tried to clear it but ended up scoring an own goal.

United are now at the second place with 27 points. Watford put up a fight in the second half but the Red’s firm attitude didn’t let them fall behind in the game.

Watford Manager Quique Sanchez Flores said: “We deserved a draw in the second half. It was difficult to play with the wind in the first half, same for them in the second half, but this is football.

“We tried in the first half but we could not. At half-time we had to forget and play a match for 45 minutes.”

Louis van Gaal commented: “It was a short time to play after the penalty but you have seen also the spirit of my team. It was amazing because even after the penalty we gave another injection into the game. In five minutes we had possibilities and scored a goal, that was the consequence of the spirit.

“I am very happy for Bastian Schweinsteiger. He needed a goal, he got it and Memphis Depay also scored a beautiful goal. I am a happy coach.”